2010 Seattle Mariners season
Encyclopedia
The Seattle Mariners
season was the 34th season in franchise history. Their last playoff appearance was in 2001
.
. Mike Brumley
was named the new third base coach on October 30, 2009. On December 7, the Mariners announced their minor league staff. Eriberto Menchaca, who managed the Class-A Clinton LumberKings
in 2009, was moved to the rookie-level Pulaski Mariners
, Jesus Azuaje was named manager of the rookie-level Peoria Mariners
, Tim Laker
was named the manager of the Double-A West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
, and Andy Fox
was named hitting coach for the Diamond Jaxx.
Kenji Johjima
, the first Japanese-born catcher in Major League Baseball, exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and returned to playing in Nippon Professional Baseball. The Mariners also lost their home run
leader, Russell Branyan
, who declined a one-year deal with the Mariners to test the free agent market. Two-time Gold Glove winner Adrián Beltré
opted for free agency on November 5, 2009, and later signed with the Boston Red Sox
. The third baseman declined $12 million in arbitration from the Mariners only days after the team signed Chone Figgins
(see below). Beltre officially parted ways with the Mariners when he signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. Pitcher Phillippe Aumont
, noted as one of the top prospects in the organization, was sent to the Phillies in the trade for Cliff Lee. Also, pitcher Brandon Morrow
was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays
as well. Carlos Silva, whose time in Seattle was plagued by injury, was traded to the Chicago Cubs
on December 18.
signed a four-year contract valued at $36 million. General manager
Jack Zduriencik
noted Figgins' versatility on defense and could ask him to play second base as well.
Ken Griffey, Jr.
returned to the Mariners with a one-year deal after a successful 2009 season and large amount of Seattle fans asking for "one more year." Shortstop
Jack Wilson signed a two-year, $10 million deal to remain in Seattle. Wilson was one of the players received from the Pittsburgh Pirates
at the trading deadline in 2009.
On December 14, 2009, the Mariners, along with the three other organizations including the Philadelphia Phillies
, the Toronto Blue Jays
, and the Oakland Athletics
agreed to a 4-team, 9-player deal. The Mariners received former Cy Young Award
winner Cliff Lee
from Philadelphia in exchange for three prospects as a complement to ace
Félix Hernández
.
On December 18, 2009, the Mariners traded pitcher Carlos Silva and cash considerations to the Chicago Cubs for outfielder Milton Bradley, particularly noting his offensive capabilities. On December 22, the Mariners traded Brandon Morrow to the Toronto Blue Jays for pitcher Brandon League
, and a minor league prospect. The Mariners acquired first baseman Casey Kotchman
from the Boston Red Sox
in exchange for utility player Bill Hall, a player to be named later, and cash considerations. On January 29, 2010, the Mariner signed outfielder Eric Byrnes
to a one-year, $400,000 contract after he was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks
. The Mariners signed first baseman Ryan Garko
to a one-year $550,000 contract on February 1. On February 6, the Mariners re-signed pitcher Érik Bédard
to a one-year, $1.5 million contract, with a mutual option for 2011.
, the Mariners cleared five spots from their 40-man roster after infielder Bryan LaHair
, pitchers César Jiménez
, Randy Messenger
, and Marwin Vega were outrighted to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers
, and pitcher Justin Thomas
was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates
. The Mariners added seven new scouts after the season including the West Coast Supervisor Butch Baccala, Southern California scout John Ramey, Northwest scout Joe Ross, Midwest scout Tony Russo, Southwest scout Jess Kapellusch, Atlantic scout Mike Moriarty, and Gulf Coast scout Devitt Moore.
On November 25, the Mariners re-signed minor league pitchers Steve Bray
, and Steven Shell
, and catcher Jose Yepez. On December 9, the Mariners signed outfielder Corey Patterson
to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training
. It was reported by Baseball America that the Mariners signed pitcher Levale Speigner
, and infielder Travis Denker
, and also re-signed pitcher Chris Seddon
and Josh Wilson to minor league contracts on December 12. On December 16, the Mariners signed 19-year-old Brazil
ian prospect Pedro Okuda to a minor league contract. During the trade for Cliff Lee, the Mariners gave up three prospects including pitchers Phillippe Aumont
, and J. C. Ramírez
, and outfielder Tyson Gillies
.
On December 22, Baseball America reported that the Mariners re-signed pitcher Mike Koplove
, and signed pitcher David Pauley
, and catcher Ralph Henriquez, Jr. During the trade for Brandon League, the Mariners also acquired minor league outfielder Johermyn Chávez
from the Blue Jays. On December 28, the Mariners signed catcher Josh Bard
, and re-signed pitcher Chad Cordero
to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training. The Mariners signed free agent utility player Chris Woodward
, who was in their organization during the first half of the 2009 season, to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. On January 13, the Mariners re-signed first baseman Brad Nelson
to a minor league contract with and invitation to spring training. Formerly of the Milwaukee Brewers
organization, Jesús Colomé
signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Mariners on February 10. On February 12, 2010, the Mariners signed Mike Sweeney
, a player who MLB.com
called a "key clubhouse component from the Mariners' dramatic 2009 turnaround," to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
ranked Mariners' first round draft Dustin Ackley
as the 15th best prospect in Minor league baseball
. Ackley was also named the best prospect in the Mariners' organization by Baseball America
, followed by outfielder Michael Saunders
, catcher Adam Moore
, third baseman Alex Liddi
, infielder Carlos Triunfel
, pitcher Michael Pineda
, shortstop Nick Franklin
, outfielder Greg Halman
, pitcher Dan Cortes
, and corner infielder Mario Martínez
. Baseball America also ranked players by their specific talents. Ackley was named best hitter for average, Halman was named best hitter for power, and best athlete, outfielder Ezequiel Carrera
was named both best strike-zone discipline, and fastest base runner, Pineda was named as having the best fastball
, and the best control of pitches, pitcher Josh Fields
was named as having the best curveball
, pitcher Steven Hensley was named as having the best slider
, pitcher Nick Hill
was named as having the best changeup
, Steve Baron was named the best defensive catcher, Gabriel Noriega was named the best defensive infielder, Triunfel was named as having the best throwing arm amongst infielders, Saunders was named best defensive outfielder, and James Jones was named as the having the best throwing arm amongst outfielders.
, Félix Hernández
, Brandon League, and Mark Lowe
, and first baseman Casey Kotchman. On January 18, Aardsma, Hernández, and Lowe, signed new contracts with the Mariners, avoiding arbitration. Aardsma signed a deal for $2.75 million, and Lowe signed a deal worth $1.15 million. Hernández's five-year deal was worth $80 million. On January 20, the Mariners came to an agreement with League for a one-year $900,000 deal, avoiding arbitration. Kotchman, the last arbitration eligible player on the Mariners roster, agreed to a $3.5 million contract on February 3, avoiding arbitration, and settling all the Mariners' arbitration cases.
including catchers Eliézer Alfonzo
, Josh Bard
, Steven Baron, Luis Oliveros
, and Guillermo Quiróz
, infielders Tommy Everidge, Brad Nelson, Josh Wilson, and Chris Woodward, outfielders Corey Patterson, and Mike Wilson, designated hitter Mike Sweeney, and pitchers Jesús Colomé, Chad Cordero, Josh Fields, Nick Hill, Mike Koplove, David Pauley, Yusmeiro Petit, Mauricio Robles
, Chris Seddon
, Steven Shell, and Levale Speigner.
David Aardsma
experienced tightness in his groin
causing him to miss playing time. Shortstop Jack Wilson suffered from right hamstring
tightness after a Mariners' game in early March. On March 19, it was announced that pitcher Cliff Lee could start the season on the disabled list because of a right lower abdominal strain. At the end of spring training, Lee was placed on the 15-day disabled list for the aforementioned reason. On April 3, Mariners' minor leaguer James McOwen dislocated his shoulder while attempting to catch to catch a ball hit by Clint Barmes
.
, Josh Fields, Steven Shell, Nick Hill, Chris Seddon, Mauricio Robles, Luis Oliveros, and Steven Baron. On March 17, the Mariners released pitcher Yusmeiro Petit whom they had claimed off waivers on November 4, 2009. Michael Saunders, an outfielder who played limited time with the Mariners in 2009, was optioned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers on March 18. On March 18, the Mariners traded minor league pitcher Miguel Celestino to the Boston Red Sox to complete the trade for Casey Kotchman. First baseman Mike Carp was assigned to minor league camp on March 25, and was informed that he would start the season with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. On March 31, outfielder Corey Patterson opted out of his contract with the Mariners and field for free agency. Also on March 31, the Mariners assigned pitcher Chad Cordero to minor league camp, and optioned Luke French
to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
agreed to throw out the ceremonial first pitch
before the home opener at Safeco Field. Johnson, who spent 10 seasons in Seattle, reportedly accepted the request immediately. In the first game of the seasons against the Oakland Athletics
at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, the Mariners won by a score of 5–3. Seattle reliever
Brandon League got the win
while Oakland reliever Brad Ziegler
got the loss. On August 9 manager Don Wakamatsu
was dismissed as manger and Daren Brown
was named his replacement on an interim basis. The Mariners ended the season scoring only 513 run
s, the lowest since the American League (AL)
instituted the designated hitter
in 1973
.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
season was the 34th season in franchise history. Their last playoff appearance was in 2001
2001 Seattle Mariners season
The Seattle Mariners' 2001 season was the 25th since franchise inception, and ended with the Mariners winning their third American League West division title, with a record of 116-46. The team set an American League record for single-season wins, and tied the Major League record set by the Chicago...
.
Coaching staff changes
Most of the 2009 major league coaching staff was retained, with the exception of third base coach Bruce HinesBruce Hines
Bruce Edwin Hines is a Major League Baseball coach who is currently the minor league field coordinator for the Los Angeles Dodgers....
. Mike Brumley
Mike Brumley (infielder)
Anthony Michael Brumley is a former utility player in Major League Baseball, who played primarily as a shortstop and who currently is the first-base coach for the Seattle Mariners. He played from through for the Chicago Cubs , Detroit Tigers , Seattle Mariners , Boston Red Sox , Houston Astros ...
was named the new third base coach on October 30, 2009. On December 7, the Mariners announced their minor league staff. Eriberto Menchaca, who managed the Class-A Clinton LumberKings
Clinton LumberKings
The Clinton LumberKings are a Midwest League Class A minor league baseball team based in Clinton, Iowa, USA, affiliated with the Seattle Mariners.-History:Clinton joined the Midwest League in 1954 and is the oldest franchise in the league...
in 2009, was moved to the rookie-level Pulaski Mariners
Pulaski Mariners
The Pulaski Mariners are a minor league baseball team based in Pulaski, Virginia, United States. They are an Advanced Rookie League team in the Appalachian League, and a farm team of the Seattle Mariners. The team plays its home games at Calfee Park. They have previously been affiliated with...
, Jesus Azuaje was named manager of the rookie-level Peoria Mariners
Peoria Mariners
The Arizona League Mariners are a minor league baseball team in Peoria, Arizona, USA. They are a Class R team in the Arizona League and are a farm team of the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners play home games at Peoria Sports Complex.-Year-by-year record:...
, Tim Laker
Tim Laker
Timothy John Laker is a minor-league baseball manager and a former Major League Baseball catcher...
was named the manager of the Double-A West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
The Jackson Generals are a minor league baseball team of the Southern League and the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The team is located in Jackson, Tennessee, and plays their home games at Pringles Park; opened in 1998, the park currently holds 6,000 fans.From their inaugural season...
, and Andy Fox
Andy Fox
Andrew Junipero Fox is an American professional baseball coach and a former Major League Baseball infielder.-Playing career:...
was named hitting coach for the Diamond Jaxx.
Key departures
On October 19, 2009, catcherCatcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Kenji Johjima
Kenji Johjima
is a Japanese catcher who is currently playing for the Hanshin Tigers. He played in Major League Baseball for four years with the Seattle Mariners in the American League....
, the first Japanese-born catcher in Major League Baseball, exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and returned to playing in Nippon Professional Baseball. The Mariners also lost their home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
leader, Russell Branyan
Russell Branyan
Russell Oles Branyan is a Major League Baseball first baseman. He throws right-handed, bats left-handed, and primarily plays first base, but is capable of playing third base and the outfield. Branyan began his professional career in the Cleveland Indians minor league system...
, who declined a one-year deal with the Mariners to test the free agent market. Two-time Gold Glove winner Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
opted for free agency on November 5, 2009, and later signed with the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
. The third baseman declined $12 million in arbitration from the Mariners only days after the team signed Chone Figgins
Chone Figgins
Desmond DeChone "Chone" Figgins is an American Major League Baseball third baseman for the Seattle Mariners. Figgins is a utility player, playing all positions except catcher, pitcher, and first base.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...
(see below). Beltre officially parted ways with the Mariners when he signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. Pitcher Phillippe Aumont
Phillippe Aumont
Phillippe Aumont is a minor league professional baseball pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners 11th overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft...
, noted as one of the top prospects in the organization, was sent to the Phillies in the trade for Cliff Lee. Also, pitcher Brandon Morrow
Brandon Morrow
Brandon John Morrow is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball....
was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
as well. Carlos Silva, whose time in Seattle was plagued by injury, was traded to the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
on December 18.
Major league acquisitions
Chone FigginsChone Figgins
Desmond DeChone "Chone" Figgins is an American Major League Baseball third baseman for the Seattle Mariners. Figgins is a utility player, playing all positions except catcher, pitcher, and first base.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...
signed a four-year contract valued at $36 million. General manager
General manager (baseball)
In Major League Baseball, the general manager of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the ballclub during contract discussions with players....
Jack Zduriencik
Jack Zduriencik
John A. “Jack” Zduriencik is the General Manager of Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners.-Career:Jack Zduriencik began his career in professional baseball as a second baseman in the Chicago White Sox farm system...
noted Figgins' versatility on defense and could ask him to play second base as well.
Ken Griffey, Jr.
Ken Griffey, Jr.
George Kenneth "Ken" Griffey, Jr. , nicknamed "Junior" and "The Kid", is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and during his final years, designated hitter...
returned to the Mariners with a one-year deal after a successful 2009 season and large amount of Seattle fans asking for "one more year." Shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
Jack Wilson signed a two-year, $10 million deal to remain in Seattle. Wilson was one of the players received from the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
at the trading deadline in 2009.
On December 14, 2009, the Mariners, along with the three other organizations including the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
, and the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
agreed to a 4-team, 9-player deal. The Mariners received former Cy Young Award
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
winner Cliff Lee
Cliff Lee
Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
from Philadelphia in exchange for three prospects as a complement to ace
Ace (baseball)
In baseball, an ace is the best starting pitcher of any team and nearly always the first pitcher in his starting rotation. Barring injury or exceptional circumstances, an ace usually always starts on Opening Day...
Félix Hernández
Félix Hernández
Félix Abraham Hernández , nicknamed "King Félix", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners....
.
On December 18, 2009, the Mariners traded pitcher Carlos Silva and cash considerations to the Chicago Cubs for outfielder Milton Bradley, particularly noting his offensive capabilities. On December 22, the Mariners traded Brandon Morrow to the Toronto Blue Jays for pitcher Brandon League
Brandon League
Brandon Paul League is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Seattle Mariners. He is married with three children. He resides in Honolulu, and is hapa Yonsei. His maternal great-grandparents were born and raised in Fukuoka prefecture on Kyushu Island in Japan...
, and a minor league prospect. The Mariners acquired first baseman Casey Kotchman
Casey Kotchman
Casey John Kotchman is an American Major League Baseball first baseman.-High school:He was on the 2001 national champion team of Seminole High School in Seminole, Florida.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...
from the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
in exchange for utility player Bill Hall, a player to be named later, and cash considerations. On January 29, 2010, the Mariner signed outfielder Eric Byrnes
Eric Byrnes
Eric James Byrnes , is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He has played for the Oakland Athletics, the Colorado Rockies, the Baltimore Orioles, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Seattle Mariners...
to a one-year, $400,000 contract after he was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
. The Mariners signed first baseman Ryan Garko
Ryan Garko
Ryan Francis Garko is a professional baseball outfielder, first baseman, and designated hitter, who plays for the Samsung Lions of the Korean Baseball Organization. In college, he was a catcher. He has played for the Cleveland Indians, the San Francisco Giants, and the Texas Rangers in Major...
to a one-year $550,000 contract on February 1. On February 6, the Mariners re-signed pitcher Érik Bédard
Erik Bedard
Érik Joseph Bédard is a free agent Canadian professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball.Bédard previously pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners. With Baltimore, he was the staff ace, setting the franchise single-season strikeouts per nine innings record at 10.93 in...
to a one-year, $1.5 million contract, with a mutual option for 2011.
Minor league acquisitions
After the World SeriesWorld Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
, the Mariners cleared five spots from their 40-man roster after infielder Bryan LaHair
Bryan LaHair
Bryan Allan LaHair is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Chicago Cubs. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.-Before the majors:...
, pitchers César Jiménez
César Jiménez
César Enrique Jiménez is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball pitcher for the Seattle Mariners. Jiménez bats and throws left-handed.-Seattle Mariners:...
, Randy Messenger
Randy Messenger
Randall Jerome Messenger is a right-handed relief pitcher for the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball. He is tall and weighs , and made his Major League debut on June 22, , for the Florida Marlins. Messenger graduated from Sparks High School in 1999.Messenger is nicknamed Big Mess...
, and Marwin Vega were outrighted to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers
Tacoma Rainiers
The Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
, and pitcher Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas
Justin Joseph Thomas is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Thomas stands at 6'3" and weighs 215 pounds...
was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. The Mariners added seven new scouts after the season including the West Coast Supervisor Butch Baccala, Southern California scout John Ramey, Northwest scout Joe Ross, Midwest scout Tony Russo, Southwest scout Jess Kapellusch, Atlantic scout Mike Moriarty, and Gulf Coast scout Devitt Moore.
On November 25, the Mariners re-signed minor league pitchers Steve Bray
Steve Bray (baseball)
Stephen Matthew Bray is an American professional baseball pitcher.-Amateur career:Bray graduated from Branford High School in 1999. Upon graduating, Bray pitched at Norwalk Community College and was drafted my the Milwaukee Brewers in 46th round of the June 2000 draft...
, and Steven Shell
Steven Shell
Steven Daniel Shell is a Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He made his major league debut on June 22, 2008.-Playing career:Played high school ball in Minco and El Reno Oklahoma...
, and catcher Jose Yepez. On December 9, the Mariners signed outfielder Corey Patterson
Corey Patterson
Donald Corey Patterson is an American professional baseball free agent outfielder in Major League Baseball. He is the older brother of outfielder Eric Patterson.-Amateur career:...
to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
. It was reported by Baseball America that the Mariners signed pitcher Levale Speigner
Levale Speigner
Jimmy Levale Speigner is an American Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent...
, and infielder Travis Denker
Travis Denker
Travis Norton Denker is a right-handed second baseman who currently plays in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.Prior to playing professional baseball, Denker attended Brea Olinda High School....
, and also re-signed pitcher Chris Seddon
Chris Seddon
Christopher Jon "Chris" Seddon is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently with the Seattle Mariners organization. Over his career, Seddon has played nine seasons in professional baseball, including parts of two in Major League Baseball...
and Josh Wilson to minor league contracts on December 12. On December 16, the Mariners signed 19-year-old Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian prospect Pedro Okuda to a minor league contract. During the trade for Cliff Lee, the Mariners gave up three prospects including pitchers Phillippe Aumont
Phillippe Aumont
Phillippe Aumont is a minor league professional baseball pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners 11th overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft...
, and J. C. Ramírez
J. C. Ramírez
Juan Carlos "J. C." Ramírez is a minor league baseball pitcher currently in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.-Seattle Mariners:...
, and outfielder Tyson Gillies
Tyson Gillies
Tyson Gillies is a minor league Outfielder in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He was the Seattle Mariners' 25th round selection in the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft; signed by Mariners scout Wayne Norton. He graduated R.E...
.
On December 22, Baseball America reported that the Mariners re-signed pitcher Mike Koplove
Mike Koplove
Michael Paul "Mike" Koplove is a sidearm relief pitcher for the San Diego Padres organization.Koplove throws with a different arm angle than most pitchers...
, and signed pitcher David Pauley
David Pauley
David Wayne Pauley is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed. Pauley is a graduate of Longmont High School in Longmont, Colorado.-Career:...
, and catcher Ralph Henriquez, Jr. During the trade for Brandon League, the Mariners also acquired minor league outfielder Johermyn Chávez
Johermyn Chávez
Johermyn José Chávez is a professional baseball outfielder in the Seattle Mariners organization. He was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as a non-drafted free agent on July 14, 2005.-Toronto Blue Jays:...
from the Blue Jays. On December 28, the Mariners signed catcher Josh Bard
Josh Bard
Joshua David Bard is an American professional baseball catcher and designated hitter who is a free agent. Bard is a switch-hitter who throws right-handed....
, and re-signed pitcher Chad Cordero
Chad Cordero
Chad Patrick Cordero is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He broke into the big league ranks with the Montreal Expos...
to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training. The Mariners signed free agent utility player Chris Woodward
Chris Woodward
Christopher Michael Woodward is an American professional baseball infielder who is a free agent.-Toronto Blue Jays:...
, who was in their organization during the first half of the 2009 season, to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. On January 13, the Mariners re-signed first baseman Brad Nelson
Brad Nelson
Bradley John Nelson is a Minor League Baseball player who is currently in the Texas Rangers organization. He has played primarily first base and outfield. When he is not playing defensively he also serves as a designated hitter.-High school:Nelson played high school baseball at Bishop Garrigan...
to a minor league contract with and invitation to spring training. Formerly of the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
organization, Jesús Colomé
Jesús Colomé
Jesús Colomé de la Cruz is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher with the Colorado Rockies organization.-Oakland Athletics:...
signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Mariners on February 10. On February 12, 2010, the Mariners signed Mike Sweeney
Mike Sweeney
Michael John "Mike" Sweeney is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. Sweeney played his first 13 seasons in the majors with the Kansas City Royals, originally as a catcher and then moving to first base. Sweeney has also played for the Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, and Philadelphia...
, a player who MLB.com
MLB.com
MLB.com is the official site of Major League Baseball and is overseen by Major League Baseball Advanced Media, L.P. . MLB.com is a source of baseball-related information, including baseball news, statistics, and sports columns...
called a "key clubhouse component from the Mariners' dramatic 2009 turnaround," to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Minor league rankings
During the offseason, MLB.comMLB.com
MLB.com is the official site of Major League Baseball and is overseen by Major League Baseball Advanced Media, L.P. . MLB.com is a source of baseball-related information, including baseball news, statistics, and sports columns...
ranked Mariners' first round draft Dustin Ackley
Dustin Ackley
Dustin Michael Ackley is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball. Ackley was drafted and selected second overall by the Mariners in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. He is a natural outfielder, though he played first base his junior...
as the 15th best prospect in Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
. Ackley was also named the best prospect in the Mariners' organization by Baseball America
Baseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
, followed by outfielder Michael Saunders
Michael Saunders
Michael Edward Saunders is a Canadian Major League Baseball left fielder for the Seattle Mariners. He is a left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing outfielder...
, catcher Adam Moore
Adam Moore
Adam Ross Moore is an American Major League Baseball catcher for the Seattle Mariners. Moore was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the sixth round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft...
, third baseman Alex Liddi
Alex Liddi
Alessandro "Alex" Liddi is an infielder for the Seattle Mariners. He is the first player born and raised in Italy to play in the major leagues...
, infielder Carlos Triunfel
Carlos Triunfel
Carlos Triunfel is a professional baseball shortstop who is currently on the Seattle Mariners 40-man roster.-Seattle Mariners:...
, pitcher Michael Pineda
Michael Pineda
Michael Francisco Pineda is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners...
, shortstop Nick Franklin
Nick Franklin (baseball)
Nicholas E. "Nick" Franklin is an American professional baseball shortstop in the Seattle Mariners organization. He was drafted in the first round, 27 pick overall, of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. He attended Lake Brantley High School where he won numerous awards, including being named...
, outfielder Greg Halman
Greg Halman
Gregory Anthony "Greg" Halman was a Dutch professional baseball outfielder. He played with the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball during the and seasons...
, pitcher Dan Cortes
Dan Cortes
Daniel Adam "Dan" Cortes is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher in the Seattle Mariners organization. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the seventh round of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft...
, and corner infielder Mario Martínez
Mario Martínez (baseball)
Mario Omar Martínez is a professional baseball third baseman in the Seattle Mariners organization. He was born in Barquisimeto, Lara State, Venezuela. Martínez was signed on July 3, 2006 by Mariners' scouts Bob Engle and Emilio Carrasquel. He attended Aquiles Mazoa in Venezuela...
. Baseball America also ranked players by their specific talents. Ackley was named best hitter for average, Halman was named best hitter for power, and best athlete, outfielder Ezequiel Carrera
Ezequiel Carrera
Ezequiel Manuel Carrera is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Cleveland Indians. He was the starting outfielder for the Double-A West Tenn Diamond Jaxx. He was signed with the New York Mets as a non-drafted free agent on April 4,...
was named both best strike-zone discipline, and fastest base runner, Pineda was named as having the best fastball
Fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. Some "power pitchers," such as Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, have thrown it at speeds of 95–106 mph and up to 108.1 mph , relying purely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit...
, and the best control of pitches, pitcher Josh Fields
Josh Fields (pitcher)
Joshua Fields is an American baseball pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization.Fields Played four seasons for the University of Georgia, 2005–08, Selected by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 2007 draft but choose to return to school, then was selected 20th overall in the first round...
was named as having the best curveball
Curveball
The curveball is a type of pitch in baseball thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the ball causing it to dive in a downward path as it approaches the plate. Its close relatives are the slider and the slurve. The "curve" of the ball varies from pitcher to...
, pitcher Steven Hensley was named as having the best slider
Slider
In baseball, a slider is a pitch that breaks laterally and down, with a speed between that of a curveball and that of a fastball....
, pitcher Nick Hill
Nick Hill (baseball)
Nicholas Hill is a professional baseball pitcher in the Seattle Mariners organization.-Army career:Hill was a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. As an Army reserve there was still a possibility that Hill could have been sent overseas to Iraq or Afghanistan while he was playing in the...
was named as having the best changeup
Changeup
A changeup is a type of pitch in baseball. Other names include change-of-pace, Bugs Bunny change-up, the dreaded equalizer, and simply change. The changeup is sometimes called an off-speed pitch, although that term can also be used simply to mean any pitch that is slower than a fastball...
, Steve Baron was named the best defensive catcher, Gabriel Noriega was named the best defensive infielder, Triunfel was named as having the best throwing arm amongst infielders, Saunders was named best defensive outfielder, and James Jones was named as the having the best throwing arm amongst outfielders.
Salary arbitration
Five Mariners' players filed for salary arbitration in January, 2010. The list of filers included pitchers David AardsmaDavid Aardsma
David Allan Aardsma is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball. He is the first player alphabetically in the list of all-time Major League Baseball players, having displaced Hank Aaron upon his MLB debut....
, Félix Hernández
Félix Hernández
Félix Abraham Hernández , nicknamed "King Félix", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners....
, Brandon League, and Mark Lowe
Mark Lowe
Mark Christopher Lowe is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Texas Rangers. He made his Major League debut for the Seattle Mariners on July 7, in relief against the Detroit Tigers, loading the bases before striking out the side. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed. His fastball...
, and first baseman Casey Kotchman. On January 18, Aardsma, Hernández, and Lowe, signed new contracts with the Mariners, avoiding arbitration. Aardsma signed a deal for $2.75 million, and Lowe signed a deal worth $1.15 million. Hernández's five-year deal was worth $80 million. On January 20, the Mariners came to an agreement with League for a one-year $900,000 deal, avoiding arbitration. Kotchman, the last arbitration eligible player on the Mariners roster, agreed to a $3.5 million contract on February 3, avoiding arbitration, and settling all the Mariners' arbitration cases.
Complete transactions
- Source for official major league transactions
2009
October
- October 19: Justin Thomas designated for assignment. Ten days later, he was claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates off waivers.
- October 29: Outrighted pitchers César Jiménez, Randy Messenger and Marwin Vega, and first baseman Bryan LaHairBryan LaHairBryan Allan LaHair is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Chicago Cubs. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.-Before the majors:...
to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
November
- November 4: Claimed Yusmeiro Petit off waivers from the Arizona DiamondbacksArizona DiamondbacksThe Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
. - November 20: Pitcher Chris Jakubauskas claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Pitcher Robert Manuel claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox.
- Called-up pitchers Dan Cortes, Ricky Orta, Edward Paredes, J. C. Ramírez, and Anthony Varvaro.
- Outrighted infielder Josh Wilson to Triple-A Tacoma.
- Activated pitchers Ryan Feierabend, and Sean White from the disabled listDisabled listIn Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
. - Signed catcher Eliézer Alfonzo to a minor league contract.
December
- December 8: Signed third baseman Chone Figgins to a four-year, $36 million contract.
- December 10: Signed center fielder Corey Patterson to a minor league contract.
- Selected pitcher Kanekoa Texeira from the New York Yankees in the Rule 5 draftRule 5 draftThe Rule 5 draft is a Major League Baseball player draft that occurs each year in December, at the annual Winter Meeting of general managers. The Rule 5 draft aims to prevent teams from stockpiling too many young players on their minor league affiliate teams when other teams would be willing to...
. - Re-signed shortstop Jack Wilson to a two-year, $10 million contract.
- December 16: Signed shortstop Pedro Okuda to a minor league contract.
- Traded pitchers J. C. Ramírez, Phillippe Aumont, and outfielder Tyson Gillies to the Philadelphia Phillies for pitcher Cliff Lee.
- December 18: Re-signed outfielder Ryan Langerhans to a minor league contract.
- Traded pitcher Carlos Silva to the Chicago Cubs for outfielder Milton Bradley.
- December 23: Traded pitcher Brandon Morrow to the Toronto Blue Jays for pitcher Brandon League and outfielder Johermyn Chávez.
- December 28: Signed catcher Josh Bard and pitcher Chad Cordero to minor league contracts.
2010
January
- January 6: Signed outfielder Chris Woodward to a minor league contract.
- January 7: Traded utility player Bill Hall to the Boston Red Sox for first baseman Casey Kotchman.
- January 13: Re-signed first baseman Brad Nelson to a minor league contract.
- January 15: Claimed first baseman Tommy Everidge off of waivers from the Oakland Athletics.
- January 29: Signed outfielder Eric Byrnes to a one-year $400,000 contract.
- First baseman Tommy Everidge designated for assignment.
February
- February 1: Signed first baseman Ryan Garko to a one-year, $550,000 contract.
- Pitcher Pitcher Gaby Hernandez designated for assignment.
- February 3: Outrighted first baseman Tommy Everidge to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
- February 6: Re-signed pitcher Érik Bédard to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
- Pitcher Pitcher Yusmeiro Petit designated for assignment.
- February 10: Signed pitcher Jesús Colomé to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
- Pitcher Yusmeiro Petit outrighted to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
- Pitcher Gaby Hernandez claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox.
- February 12: Signed designated hitter Mike Sweeney to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
March
- March 3: Pitchers Kenn Kasparek, and Anthony Vasquez assigned to the Mariners.
- March 4: Pitchers James Gillheeney, and Erasmo Ramirez; shortstop Carlos Triunfel; and Kyle Seager assigned to the Mariners.
- March 5: Pitchers Andrew Carraway, and Michael Pineda; and shortstop Juan Díaz assigned to the Mariners.
- March 6: Pitchers Aaron Jensen, and Steve BraySteve Bray (baseball)Stephen Matthew Bray is an American professional baseball pitcher.-Amateur career:Bray graduated from Branford High School in 1999. Upon graduating, Bray pitched at Norwalk Community College and was drafted my the Milwaukee Brewers in 46th round of the June 2000 draft...
; shortstop Nick Franklin; and third baseman Alex LiddiAlex LiddiAlessandro "Alex" Liddi is an infielder for the Seattle Mariners. He is the first player born and raised in Italy to play in the major leagues...
assigned to the Mariners. - March 8: Catchers Ralph Henriquez, and Hassiel Jimenez; third baseman Matt Mangini; and outfielders James Jones, and Denny Almonte assigned to the Mariners.
- March 10: Optioned pitcher Ryan FeierabendRyan FeierabendRyan Robert Feierabend is a left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher who is currently in the Philadelphia Phillies organization with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs....
to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. - March 11: Pitchers Kyle Parker, and Wes LittletonWes LittletonWes Avi Littleton is a right-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is presently a free agent...
; and outfielders Maximo Mendez, and Johermyn ChávezJohermyn ChávezJohermyn José Chávez is a professional baseball outfielder in the Seattle Mariners organization. He was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as a non-drafted free agent on July 14, 2005.-Toronto Blue Jays:...
assigned to the Mariners. - March 12: Pitcher Andrew BaldwinAndrew Baldwin (baseball)Andrew Scott Baldwin is a professional baseball pitcher. He was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth Round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft. Baldwin's uncle, John Hiller, was a relief pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.-College:Baldwin attended Texas A&M University and...
assigned to the Mariners. - March 13: Optioned outfielder Greg Halman to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
- Infielder Joseph Dunigan assigned to the Mariners.
- March 14: Third baseman Mario Martinez, and outfielder Carlos PegueroCarlos PegueroCarlos Angel Peguero is a Major League Baseball left fielder for the Seattle Mariners. He signed as a non-drafted free agent on January 20, 2005 by Mariners scouts Patrick Guerrero and Bob Engle...
assigned to the Mariners. - March 16: Optioned pitchers Dan Cortes, Ricky Orta, Edward Paredes, and Anthony Varvaro; and infielder Dustin Ackley to the Double-A West Tenn Diamond Jaxx.
- Optioned outfielder Ezequiel Carrera to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
- March 17: Released pitcher Yusmeiro Petit.
- March 18: Signed second baseman Travis Denker.
- Pitcher Marwin Vega assigned to the Mariners.
- Optioned outfielder Michael Saunders to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
- Traded pitcher Miguel Celestino to the Boston Red Sox.
- March 20: Infielders Shaver Hansen, and Gabriel Noriega; and outfielder Welington Dotel assigned to the Mariners.
- March 21: Shortstop Jeffrey Dominguez, and outfielder Johan Limonta assigned to the Mariners.
- March 22: Outfielder Daniel Carroll assigned to the Mariners.
- March 23: Pitcher Steven Richard assigned to the Mariners.
- March 24: Catcher Brandon Bantz assigned to the Mariners.
- March 25: Pitchers Preston Vancil, and Nick Czyz; catcher Blake Ochoa; infielder Edilio Colina; and outfielders Kalian Sams, and Kuo Hui Lo assigned to the Mariners.
- Optioned first baseman Mike Carp to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
- March 27: Pitcher Steven Hensley assigned to the Mariners.
- March 29: Pitcher Chris Kirkland assigned to the Mariners.
- March 31: Outfielder Corey Patterson filed for free agency.
- Pitcher Brian Moran, and James McOwenJames McOwenJames McOwen is a professional baseball player in the Seattle Mariners organization. He currently plays for the Class-A High Desert Mavericks. He was Mariners' sixth-round selection in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft; signed by Mariners scout Mike Tosar. He plays outfield, primarily right...
to the Mariners. - Optioned Luke French to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
- Placed pitcher Érik Bédard on the 15-Day disabled list retroactive to March 26, 2010.
- Placed third baseman Jack HannahanJack HannahanJohn Joseph "Jack" Hannahan IV is an American professional baseball third baseman with the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball. Mainly a third baseman, Hannahan has also played other infield positions....
on the 15-Day disabled list retroactive to March 26, 2010.
April
- April 1: First baseman Ryan Garko was claimed by the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
. - Optioned Garrett OlsonGarrett OlsonGarrett Andrew Olson is a Major League Baseball pitcher currently in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.-High school:Olson attended Buchanan High School in Clovis, California...
to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. - Pitcher Seon Gi Kim assigned to the Mariners.
- April 4: Placed pitcher Cliff Lee on the 15-Day disabled list retroactive to March 26, 2010.
- Pitcher Yusmeiro Petit, and outfielder Corey Patterson assigned to the Mariners.
- Called-up Mike Sweeney from the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
- April 5: Catchers Jose Yepez, and Luis Oliveros assigned to the Double-A West Tenn Diamond Jaxx.
- Outfielder Maximo Mendez assigned to the Class-A Advanced High Desert Mavericks.
- Outfielder Kalian Sams assigned to the Class-A Clinton LumberKings.
- April 7: Pitchers Mike Koplove, Chris Seddon, Steven Shell, Steve Bray, Chad Cordero, Jesús Colomé, David Pauley, and Levale Speigner; catchers Eliézer Alfonzo, and Josh Bard; and infielders Brad Nelson, Josh Wilson, and Chris Woodward assigned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
Non-roster invitees
Seattle invited 23 players to spring trainingSpring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
including catchers Eliézer Alfonzo
Eliézer Alfonzo
Eliézer Jesús Alfonzo is a professional baseball catcher who is currently with the Colorado Rockies. He has played all or part of six seasons in Major League Baseball, most recently in 2011 with the Colorado Rockies. He bats and throws right-handed. Eliézer is the second cousin of former MLB star...
, Josh Bard
Josh Bard
Joshua David Bard is an American professional baseball catcher and designated hitter who is a free agent. Bard is a switch-hitter who throws right-handed....
, Steven Baron, Luis Oliveros
Luis Oliveros
Luis Gerardo Oliveros is a minor league baseball catcher who is currently a free agent. Oliveros has played his entire career with the Seattle Mariners organization in the minors, primarily in Single-A and Double-A...
, and Guillermo Quiróz
Guillermo Quiroz
Guillermo Antonio Quiroz [gee-YARE-mo kee-ROZE] is a Major League Baseball catcher who is currently in the San Diego Padres organization.-Biography:...
, infielders Tommy Everidge, Brad Nelson, Josh Wilson, and Chris Woodward, outfielders Corey Patterson, and Mike Wilson, designated hitter Mike Sweeney, and pitchers Jesús Colomé, Chad Cordero, Josh Fields, Nick Hill, Mike Koplove, David Pauley, Yusmeiro Petit, Mauricio Robles
Mauricio Robles
Mauricio Antonio Robles is a professional baseball pitcher in the Seattle Mariners organization. He was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Detroit Tigers on April 1, ....
, Chris Seddon
Chris Seddon
Christopher Jon "Chris" Seddon is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently with the Seattle Mariners organization. Over his career, Seddon has played nine seasons in professional baseball, including parts of two in Major League Baseball...
, Steven Shell, and Levale Speigner.
Injuries
On February 8, newly acquired pitcher Cliff Lee underwent minor surgery to remove a floating bone spur in his left foot. Lee was expected to be out two-to-three weeks, making him unable to report to spring training at the scheduled time. On March 4, closerCloser (baseball)
In baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer , is a relief pitcher who specializes in closing out games, i.e., getting the final outs in a close game. Closers often appear when the score is close, and the role is often assigned to a team's best reliever. A small number of...
David Aardsma
David Aardsma
David Allan Aardsma is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball. He is the first player alphabetically in the list of all-time Major League Baseball players, having displaced Hank Aaron upon his MLB debut....
experienced tightness in his groin
Groin
In human anatomy, the groin areas are the two creases at the junction of the torso with the legs, on either side of the pubic area. This is also known as the medial compartment of the thigh. A pulled groin muscle usually refers to a painful injury sustained by straining the hip adductor muscles...
causing him to miss playing time. Shortstop Jack Wilson suffered from right hamstring
Hamstring
In human anatomy, the hamstring refers to any one of the three posterior thigh muscles, or to the tendons that make up the borders of the space behind the knee. In modern anatomical contexts, however, they usually refer to the posterior thigh muscles, or the tendons of the semitendinosus, the...
tightness after a Mariners' game in early March. On March 19, it was announced that pitcher Cliff Lee could start the season on the disabled list because of a right lower abdominal strain. At the end of spring training, Lee was placed on the 15-day disabled list for the aforementioned reason. On April 3, Mariners' minor leaguer James McOwen dislocated his shoulder while attempting to catch to catch a ball hit by Clint Barmes
Clint Barmes
Clint Harold Barmes [BAR-miss] is an American professional baseball shortstop and second baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball. He played for the Colorado Rockies from 2003-2010 and Houston Astros in 2011...
.
Roster moves
On March 10, 2010, the Mariners cut 10 people from their spring roster including Ryan FeierabendRyan Feierabend
Ryan Robert Feierabend is a left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher who is currently in the Philadelphia Phillies organization with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs....
, Josh Fields, Steven Shell, Nick Hill, Chris Seddon, Mauricio Robles, Luis Oliveros, and Steven Baron. On March 17, the Mariners released pitcher Yusmeiro Petit whom they had claimed off waivers on November 4, 2009. Michael Saunders, an outfielder who played limited time with the Mariners in 2009, was optioned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers on March 18. On March 18, the Mariners traded minor league pitcher Miguel Celestino to the Boston Red Sox to complete the trade for Casey Kotchman. First baseman Mike Carp was assigned to minor league camp on March 25, and was informed that he would start the season with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. On March 31, outfielder Corey Patterson opted out of his contract with the Mariners and field for free agency. Also on March 31, the Mariners assigned pitcher Chad Cordero to minor league camp, and optioned Luke French
Luke French
Detective Sergeant Luke French is a fictional police officer of the Criminal Investigation Department within Wyvern Constabulary's, Holby South Police Station. His character is featured in Holby Blue, a spin-off of the long running medical drama Holby City.-Character history:Luke is one of the...
to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
Overview
Retired pitcher Randy JohnsonRandy Johnson
Randall David Johnson , nicknamed "The Big Unit", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 22-year career, he pitched for six different teams....
agreed to throw out the ceremonial first pitch
Ceremonial first pitch
The ceremonial first ball is a longstanding ritual of American baseball in which a guest of honor throws a ball to mark the end of pregame festivities and the start of the game. Originally, the guest threw a ball from his/her place in the grandstand to the pitcher or catcher of the home team...
before the home opener at Safeco Field. Johnson, who spent 10 seasons in Seattle, reportedly accepted the request immediately. In the first game of the seasons against the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, the Mariners won by a score of 5–3. Seattle reliever
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
Brandon League got the win
Win (baseball)
In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only...
while Oakland reliever Brad Ziegler
Brad Ziegler
Brad Gregory Ziegler is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-Minor leagues:...
got the loss. On August 9 manager Don Wakamatsu
Don Wakamatsu
Wilbur Donald "Don" Wakamatsu is a former Major League Baseball catcher and manager. He was the manager of the Seattle Mariners for the season, as well as the majority of the season...
was dismissed as manger and Daren Brown
Daren Brown
Daren D. Brown is an American baseball manager, presently employed as the manager of the minor league Tacoma Rainiers...
was named his replacement on an interim basis. The Mariners ended the season scoring only 513 run
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
s, the lowest since the American League (AL)
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
instituted the designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
in 1973
1973 Major League Baseball season
The 1973 Major League Baseball season was the first season of play for the designated hitter in the American League. The Kansas City Royals moved their home games from Municipal Stadium to the new Royals Stadium, adjacent to the Chiefs' football facility, Arrowhead Stadium...
.
Game log
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Mariners win | |
| Mariners loss | |
| Postponement | |
| Bold | Mariners team member |
| 2010 Game Log: 61-101 | |
|---|---|
Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In; BB = Base on Balls; SB = Stolen Bases; AVG = Batting average| Player | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SB | AVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | 244 | 28 | 50 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 29 | 28 | 8 | .205 | |
| 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | |
| 2 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | .143 | |
| 33 | 98 | 6 | 18 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 0 | .184 | |
| 2 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .429 | |
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | .500 | |
| 2 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | .250 | |
| 2 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .125 | |
| 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | |
| 152 | 625 | 70 | 200 | 28 | 3 | 6 | 40 | 43 | 41 | .315 | |
| 2 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 |
Source: ESPN.com
Pitching
Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV=Saves; SVO = Saves Opportunity; IP = Innings pitched; H =Hits; ER = Earned runs allowed; HR= Home Run allowed; BB = Walks allowed; SO = Strikeouts| Player | W | L | ERA | G | GS | SV | SVO | IP | H | ER | HR | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 5.09 | 25 | 0 | 16 | 20 | 23.0 | 20 | 13 | 3 | 9 | 22 | |
| 5 | 5 | 3.39 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 103.2 | 94 | 39 | 9 | 34 | 97 | |
| 3 | 1 | 3.96 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25.0 | 26 | 11 | 5 | 12 | 26 | |
| 1 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| 0 | 0 | 1.50 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6.0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | |
| 0 | 1 | 5.40 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Source: ESPN.com
- Through June 3, 2010
Roster
| 2010 Seattle Mariners | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers | Catchers Infielders Outfielders |
Manager Coaches (pitching) (third base) (first base) (hitting) (bench) (performance coach) (hitting) (first base) (third base (bench) (bullpen) (pitching) |
|||||||
Minor league affiliates
| Level | Team (Location) | Manager | League | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triple-A | Tacoma Rainiers Tacoma Rainiers The Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners... (Tacoma, Washington Tacoma, Washington Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city and the county seat of Pierce County, Washington, United States. The city is on Washington's Puget Sound, southwest of Seattle, northeast of the state capital, Olympia, and northwest of Mount Rainier National Park. The population was 198,397, according to... ) |
— | Pacific Coast League Pacific Coast League The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The... |
— |
| Double-A | West Tenn Diamond Jaxx West Tenn Diamond Jaxx The Jackson Generals are a minor league baseball team of the Southern League and the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The team is located in Jackson, Tennessee, and plays their home games at Pringles Park; opened in 1998, the park currently holds 6,000 fans.From their inaugural season... (Jackson, Tennessee Jackson, Tennessee Jackson is a city in Madison County, Tennessee, United States. The total population was 65,211 at the 2010 census. Jackson is the primary city of the Jackson, Tennessee metropolitan area, which is included in the Jackson-Humboldt, Tennessee Combined Statistical Area... ) |
Tim Laker Tim Laker Timothy John Laker is a minor-league baseball manager and a former Major League Baseball catcher... |
Southern League Southern League (baseball) The Southern League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The original league was formed in , and shut down in . A new league, the Southern Association, was formed in , consisting of twelve teams... |
— |
| Class-A Advanced | High Desert Mavericks High Desert Mavericks The High Desert Mavericks are a minor league baseball team in Adelanto, California, USA. Their Major League parent club is the Seattle Mariners. They are a Class A - Advanced team in the California League and had been a farm team of the Kansas City Royals since 2005 before the switch... (Adelanto, California Adelanto, California Adelanto is a city in San Bernardino County, California about northwest of Victorville. The population was 31,765 at the 2010 census, up from 18,130 at the 2000 census.-Name:... ) |
Jim Horner Jim Horner James Patrick Horner is the current Manager of the Seattle Mariners' Class-A Advanced affiliate, the High Desert Mavericks. He was previously the Manager of the Class-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, also a Mariners' affiliate... |
California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
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| Class-A | Clinton LumberKings Clinton LumberKings The Clinton LumberKings are a Midwest League Class A minor league baseball team based in Clinton, Iowa, USA, affiliated with the Seattle Mariners.-History:Clinton joined the Midwest League in 1954 and is the oldest franchise in the league... (Clinton, Iowa Clinton, Iowa Clinton is a city in and the county seat of Clinton County, Iowa, United States. The population was 26231as of 2010. Clinton, along with DeWitt, Iowa , was named in honor of the seventh governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton. Clinton is the principal city of the Clinton Micropolitan Statistical... ) |
John Tamargo John Tamargo John Felix Tamargo is a former Major League Baseball catcher and coach and long-time minor league manager. He played all or part of five seasons in the majors from until... |
Midwest League Midwest League The Midwest League is a Class-A minor league baseball league which operates in the Midwestern United States.-History:Six teams – the Belleville Stags, the Centralia Cubs, the Marion Indians, the Mattoon Indians or East Frankfort White Sox, the Mount Vernon Braves, and the West Frankfort... |
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| Class-A Short-Season | Everett AquaSox Everett AquaSox The Everett AquaSox are a minor league baseball team in Everett, Washington, USA. They are a Short-Season A classification team in the Northwest League, of which they are the current defending champions... (Everett, Washington Everett, Washington Everett is the county seat of and the largest city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. Named for Everett Colby, son of founder Charles L. Colby, it lies north of Seattle. The city had a total population of 103,019 at the 2010 census, making it the 6th largest in the state and... ) |
José Moreno José Moreno (baseball) José de los Santos Mauricio Moreno is a former Major League Baseball player. He played all or part of three seasons in the majors between and , playing for a different team in each season... |
Northwest League Northwest League The Northwest League of Professional Baseball is a Class A-Short Season minor baseball league. The league is the descendant of the Western International League which ran as a class B league from 1937-1951 and class A from 1952-1954... |
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| Rookie | Pulaski Mariners Pulaski Mariners The Pulaski Mariners are a minor league baseball team based in Pulaski, Virginia, United States. They are an Advanced Rookie League team in the Appalachian League, and a farm team of the Seattle Mariners. The team plays its home games at Calfee Park. They have previously been affiliated with... (Pulaski, Virginia Pulaski, Virginia Pulaski is a town in Pulaski County, Virginia, United States. The population was 9,086 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Pulaski County.Pulaski is part of the Blacksburg–Christiansburg–Radford Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:... ) |
Eddie Menchaca | Appalachian League Appalachian League The Appalachian League is a Rookie-class minor league that began play in 1937 with one year of inactivity in 1956. From 1937 to 1962, it was a Class D League. Teams are located in the Appalachian regions of Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia and Tennessee... |
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| Rookie | Arizona League Mariners(Peoria, Arizona Peoria, Arizona Peoria is a city in Maricopa and Yavapai counties in the U.S. state of Arizona. Located primarily in Maricopa County, it is a major suburb of Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau releases, the population of the city is 154,065. Peoria is currently the sixth largest city in Arizona for land... ) |
Andy Bottin | Arizona League Arizona League The Arizona League is a minor league baseball league that operates in and around Phoenix, Arizona. It is a rookie-level professional baseball league run by Major League Baseball since 1989. Games are played at the spring training complexes of the team's parent organizations from mid-June until the... |
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| Rookie | Dominican Summer Mariners Dominican Summer Mariners The Dominican Summer Mariners or the DSL Mariners are a Minor league baseball team in the Dominican Summer League. They play in the Santo Domingo North division. They are Rookie-Level, the lowest level of Minor league baseball.-External links:... (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) |
Francisco Gerez | Dominican Summer League Dominican Summer League The Dominican Summer League is a branch of affiliated minor league baseball which is played in the Dominican Republic. The league was founded in 1985. The 2011 72-game season begins May 28 and ends August 20... |
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| Rookie | Venezuelan Summer Mariners(Venezuela Venezuela Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south... ) |
Russell Vasquez | Venezuelan Summer League Venezuelan Summer League The Venezuelan Summer League is a minor league baseball rookie league which operates in Carabobo and Aragua states, Venezuela.The VSL was created in 1997, after several operational years of the Major League Baseball's academies in the country... |
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